Inner Tube Coupling for Longer Continuous Core Drilling Runs
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Solution Overview
Problem
The inefficiency of core sample drilling operations is primarily due to the limited length of inner tubes, which necessitates frequent stops to retrieve and reposition the tubes, reducing drilling time and productivity, especially in deep holes, while maintaining core quality is crucial.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a clamp and coupling mechanism that allows for the extension of inner tubes by uncoupling and recoupling them within the drill string, enabling continuous drilling with extended core sample retrieval without manual handling, using a positioning apparatus for precise alignment and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the inner tube length is increased to reduce the frequency of retrieval stops, then drilling productivity is improved, but the complexity of handling and positioning the inner tube increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inner tube system is segmented into multiple sections that can be coupled together to form extended lengths. Each section can be handled independently using standard equipment, while the coupled sections provide the extended length needed for deeper drilling runs. This segmentation allows the system to achieve long drilling runs without requiring excessively long single tubes that would be impossible to handle.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple inner tube sections are nested within the drill string during handling operations. The coupling mechanism allows sections to be connected while nested within the drill string structure, and the positioning apparatus can access and manipulate these nested sections. This nesting approach allows extended tube lengths to be managed within the constraints of existing drill string dimensions.
2Loss of time
If the inner tube length is increased to allow longer continuous drilling runs, then the frequency of stops for core retrieval is reduced, but the difficulty of positioning and aligning the tube increases
Solution Approach 1:
A positioning apparatus acts as an intermediary between the extended inner tube system and the drill string. This apparatus provides reference points and alignment mechanisms that make it easier to position and align long tube sections. The positioning apparatus includes features such as alignment guides and reference markers that simplify the positioning task despite the increased length and complexity of the tube system.
3Productivity
If the inner tube length is extended from 3m to 6m or longer, then drilling efficiency is improved, but the handling requirements and safety challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inner tube is divided into multiple manageable sections that can be coupled together. Each section maintains dimensions suitable for standard handling equipment and safety protocols, while the coupled sections provide the extended length needed for efficient drilling. This segmentation allows operators to handle shorter sections using existing equipment and procedures, avoiding the safety and handling challenges of excessively long single tubes.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple standard-length inner tube sections are merged or coupled together to create an extended tube system. The coupling mechanism allows these sections to be connected in a controlled manner using the positioning apparatus. This merging approach enables the system to achieve the length needed for improved drilling efficiency while maintaining the handling characteristics of shorter, safer sections.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for handling core samples during a core sample drilling operation is disclosed. In use the core sample is received in a string of inner tubes within a drill string. The device includes a clamp and a coupling mechanism. The clamp is configured to grip a lower inner tube below a joint between the lower inner tube and an adjacent upper inner tube of the string of inner tubes, with the lower tube received in the drill string and with the joint exposed above a top end of the drill string. The coupling mechanism is configured to engage the upper inner tube and/or the joint and operate to uncouple the upper inner tube from the lower inner tube.